Scott D. Ritchey was the Deputy Director overseeing operations at the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. On October 9, 2021, he entered the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean at Playa Las Golondrinas in Isabela, Puerto Rico, to save his daughter from drowning. Due to the high tides, Deputy Director Ritchey and his daughter were swept into a rip current and drifted approximately 150 yards offshore. His daughter was brought safely back to shore, while Deputy Director Ritchey was brought back unresponsive. After extensive resuscitation efforts, Deputy Director Ritchey succumbed to his injuries.
Deputy Director Ritchey began his career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in 2007. He was a U.S. Army veteran and achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. Deputy Director Ritchey served in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division as a Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot. He achieved many honors during his 30-year military career, including the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. Deputy Director Ritchey was survived by his two daughters and grandson.